A review by annahconda
Double Play by C.L. Rose

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I will start with a disclaimer that I’m not a step sibling romance fan, however knowing they became step siblings in their teenage years after being besties for years was the reason I was willing to read this story. 

I feel like you see a lot of affection between Jackson & Arden as they grow up & even when they’re no longer close they still hold the other close to their hearts which is sweet. But why is Hawk attracted to her beyond her looks? It feels like he thought she was hot and that’s all. Like Hawk & Jackson have a beautiful (platonic) bond but it seems like Hawk should be with Jackson not Arden with how he talks about them both. 

I absolutely HATE that you don’t see anything about Hawk’s siblings until the very end & even then it feels like it was an afterthought. I’d rather see that character building vs the repetitive scenes of Hawk & Arden sleeping together. Along the same lines of that I wish the relationships between Arden & Jackson’s parents got acknowledged a bit more. The book kinda just felt like conflict 3…2..1.. okay we didn’t do anything to address it but we’re back to normal now!! I think seeing a scene where the parents sit down and talk with their children (and Hawk) would’ve felt more beneficial… 

I am actually not someone who loathes 3rd act break ups & I actually find they can be very well written in most cases… that’s not what this is. I’m honestly pissed Arden forgave him. He ghosted you after completely dismissing your feelings & you’re willing to give him benefit of the doubt when he refused to listen to anyone?! I hate the savior complex 3rd act breakup. I seriously cannot stress how immature it was to have this grown ass man in his feels so no one else‘a feelings matter. I truly grew to hate Jackson over this & I’m sorry but if I wanted to be disappointed in a man being disrespectful to his girlfriend I wouldn’t be looking for it in a book.